Jennie Chua really needs no introduction - But how many of you know the secret dreams and desires of the President and CEO of Raffles Holdings Limited? She shares them in The SHY Interview.

What is the biggest buzz you get out of what you do?

Being mistaken for the Housekeeper.

What do you most dislike about it?

Attending cocktail parties.

What is your most perfect travel moment?

Looking at the Alps from the third floor balcony window of Raffles Le Montreux Palace Hotel.

What irks you most about travel?

Rude airports.

What is your most treasured souvenir?

A wood carving discarded (because not up to standard) by a Balinese craftsman.

Who's the most interesting person you have met in your travels?

A cormorant fisherman in Gifu City.

Who's the living person you most admire?

Probably a composite of several people.

What is the quality you most admire in others?

Common sense.

What is the talent you would most like to have?

Sing well, paint well, preferably at same time.

What do you value most in your friends?

To let me be who I am.

What's your favourite word?

Grandchildren.

What's your least favourite word?

Buzz.

What's your favourite noise?

2nd grandson, Sean (toddler) trying to say "Grandma".

What's your least favourite noise?

Someone spitting.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Toss up between:
1) Two sons with good values.
2) Looking better with each passing year.

What's the one thing you would say to kids?

Eat your (organic) vegetables.

What's the one thing you must do before you die?

Take the train from Paris to Beijing.

The SHY Report
A regular column on news, trends and issues in the hospitality industry by one of Asia's most respected travel editors and commentators, Yeoh Siew Hoon.

Siew Hoon, who has covered the tourism industry in Asia/Pacific for the past 20 years, runs SHY Ventures Pte Ltd. Her company's mission is "Content, Communication, Connection".

She is a writer, speaker, facilitator, trainer and events producer. She is also an author, having published "Around Asia In 1 Hr: Tales of Condoms, Chillies & Curries". Her motto is ‘free to do, and be'.

Contacts: Tel: 65-63424934, Mobile: 65-96801460

Yeoh Siew Hoon's other writings can be found at www.thetransitcafe.com. Get your weekly cuppa of news, gossip, humour and opinion at Travel's Busiest Junction.